The Indianapolis journal. [volume] (Indianapolis [Ind.]) 1867-1904, 1887-01-02

condemned, hung and lies buried on t'other side
of the fence under the stone cross. Now you
have the whole story
Not quite answered, turning sick and
faint. He walks
"a deep, sepulchral voice seemed to echo the
words, at my elbow, and Mr.. Moorhouse fairly
bounded in his seat.
t''Did you hear that ladl believe in very
soul he is here. close beside me, at this very mo-
ment.'
II could see better. now, and the old mans
rudy face had grown white. .Moorhouse, [ said,
calmly. L shall never stay another night in this
house. Yet. we won't be frightened away from
this just yet
'':No. We WON'T and. summoning his American
courage to his aid. he wiped his forehead with his
handkerchief and planted his feet doggedly against
the step on which were sitting
: The other night continued, sif ever saw
living man. saw Antoine Morelli-and con-
versed with him, too
'''Eh2 WhatF
side. followed him into it. and there were his
crucible. his books, his dvning-rod'
Lad! Ladn CALCULATED the old farmer, grow
ing still paer, you are describing what was
in the old tomb thirty years ago. But it has
never been there since l have seer it empty
vito my own eyes, and the door was nailed fast
to the rock
ut is strange how often, when we are hearing
a frigntful story, some chance word may startle
us, even when the tale has failed to do SO. What
ne said about the nails struck cold chill to my
very heart
Nevertheless persisted, Il saw.it all on
that night And the man who was with me
opened and shut that heavy door as if 1t had been
a wicker gate
"'Descrlbe him.
Go and look at the head which is painted on
the wall in the room above u.s.
docs it look like him2'
{" TT is perfect picture
Then you have him. he said, with
startling emphasis, for he painted it himself
before n I'M ha adj
sinking his voice into a low Whisper time and
again we have tried to wash the painted image
off, but it sticks like blood, and will have to stay
there till the end of time, unless something
stronger than soap and sand is discovered2'
But WHY does he not rest, now he is in his
grave9 asked.
"'Satan only knows 1t may be, though
Moorhouse unused a moment and then turned
and faced me. NV lad I have heard it said
that more than one murder has been committed
here by him. In the darkest corner of the eel
lar yonder have seen pile of earth that does
not look just right Shall we see what is therer
81 will go with you.' / answered. Only
few nights before had followed dead man into
a tomb was not likely to fail living one now.
"As we set foot in the corner. the low. omin-
Gus knocking, which had so often heard while
sitting upstairs. commenced on all sides-of US.
but we would not turn back.
Through my life have neither feared man
nor devil said Moorhouse, stoutly. and it shall
not be said that fed now
HE struck the spade into the earth. A hol-
low groan echoed through the cellar. and he
started back.
al thought just then had cut into a mans
heart he said in trembling voice. Did tell
hisa '''''' = 0''' " '' 'A' '' "''- ''"'
No, but 1 guessed as much. Give me the
spade
II snatched it from him, thrust the lamp into
his hand. and, setting my teeth. iabored with
desperate energy. Sights and sounds We're not
wanting around us Now pale CLEAN of light
would PLAY around u.s. then all would be dark as
night. but for the starry flame of our lamp
We could. hear a sigh, a mocking laugh, or a
strain of sweet and sad music close beside us,
| but we took notice. With might and main l
| abored on. till the sweat stood in great drops
| upon my forehead.
| hard. and we both bent eagerly down to look. A
square box, Embedded in the earth, beneath
us. 1t took some time to loosen it. bus when we
once had firm hold, 1t came up easily and lightly.
We placed the lamp upon it, and leaving the
/ spade behind US. went towards the stairs. A
cold wind rushed through the .place. we
reached their foot, and extinguishsdA the lamp.
AT the same time, was conscious of some invis-
| lille thing pressing against the box, and trying
| to force US and it back again.
| ''Dcn't yield, now,' / cried to Moorhouse,
who was breathing hard and heavily. We must
| 60 now
"'You're right my lad; go on he answered.
sturdily and am afraid heard him swearing
| in his perplexity.
I'VE pushed way, by main strength,
| through the darkness to the head of the stairs.
| When the door flew open and the broad light of
| day shone in upon US, that strange resistance
| ceased of sudden and we bore our burden into
| the other room, without any further opposition.
| "Thank God, said Moorehouse. sinking into
| my easy chair and tanning himself. 1 never
! expected to get through with that alive Lad,
| we have been fighting with the fiends this morn
ing. I believe. Pour out a glass of wine
from yonder decanter, before We try to open
this box =
81 did as was desired. and quaffed a gener
Gus bumper myself Indeed, we both needed i.
after our fright and Leril.
| "'Now, am stronger was his next remark.
| Give me an AK
| II brought him He poised it ia his hand
glanced once at the Italians picture, and brough,
| it down with a heavy blow that broke the lid of
| the box into Fifty pieces.
| II caught one glimpse of the body of man
| but when the touched it, il crumbled in 10 d US,
and nothing. Only some moderinf
BONES tress or two of dark brown hair. and the
blade of dagger remained to tell of one wht
had been hurried by violence into an untimely
grave
"'Close the box again and we will bury him,
said Moorhouse after he had looked at him
moment
.'The lid was split and hacked in all directions
but found another in little shed beyond thu
barn, and we nailed it down securely over the las
witness of Antoine Morelli's crime Lifting thu
box we found shady place just beside the door
|
rose bush, growing near, we transp planted ant
trained to cover his last home with grace ant
beauty,
This sad duty dore. we knew that we coult
no longer remain there. Moorhouse helped m,
bring out the few articles of furniture ha.
hired of him and put them outside the gate til
he could send for them. took last look at tn
rooms where l had hoped to dwell for man,
days. l scanned the dark face of the murdere
for the last time. and then came out an
locked the cottage door behind us. braugh
my horse around and fastened him beside tn
gate.
.'Moorhouse went with me and stood by MOI
ellis grave
at is to be hoped he will rest now he said
emphatically. But you. lad. Whittier will yo
wend2 Why not come and>etay q while wit